South Africa’s Environment Minister has dismissed appeals by conservationists against environmental approval for oil and gas exploration in Block 3B/4B off the country’s West Coast. TotalEnergies operates the block.
The decision, dated October 13 and reviewed by Reuters, marks the latest development in a series of appeals and court cases that have delayed oil and gas exploration in South Africa, Africa’s largest economy.
The authorities granted the environmental authorization to Africa Oil SA Corp, Ricocure (Pty) Limited, and Azinam Ltd. TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy later acquired participating interests in the project.
Environment Minister David Maynier dismissed all the appeals but introduced conditions addressing concerns about food security and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
South African law allows parties dissatisfied with the minister’s decision to apply to a court for a judicial review.
TotalEnergies welcomed the decision and said it would work with the authorities to meet environmental requirements, including measures for environmental monitoring and marine protection.
source: www.reuters.com
African Energy Council